16 Tracks in total, ‘Kontraband,’ the debut from Kabaka Pyramid does not disappoint.

I only heard 3 of the songs before the album’s release so this is a fresh, new experience. The album is reminiscent of Chronixx’s “Chronology” in its diverse representation of modern reggae music.

Hip-Hop influences are evident throughout but do not detract from the roots vibe. You can choose to bob your head and/or skank to the beats. Kabaka spits bars of knowledge with a cool, collected delivery. At times, he sing-jays on the riddims in perfect melody.

‘Kontraband’ is a strong debut for Kabaka Pyramid and it bolsters his global appeal. The Damian and Stephen Marley executive-produced album features Akon and Stonebwoy out of Africa. Jr. Gong joins Kabaka to illustrate the story on the title track.

Pressure Buss Pipes from the U.S. Virgin Islands sings the hook on “Make Way,” the opening song of the album. Fellow reggae revivalist Protoje makes his mark with a succinct verse on “Everywhere I Go.” Kabaka teams with Chronixx on the mesmerizing and memorable “Blessed Is The Man.”

Kabaka doesn’t only chant a lyrical onslaught on Babylon. He considers the divine essence of black queens on “Natural Woman.” He opens up about affairs of the heart on “Kaught Up,” and “All I Need,” which features Nattali Rize. The different vibes on ‘Kontraband’ balance out. If you ranked this entry as one of 2019’s top reggae releases, I would say that’s accurate.

Repatriation is the return of someone to their own country, either voluntary or involuntary. In a financial sense its the sending of money back to one’s own country of origin.

I previously recorded this mix and was planning to delete it because it did not meet my high technical standard. Then the S—hole comments happened. The president of the United States verbally assaulted beloved Haiti and the beloved continent of Africa.

Please look up Ivan Van Sertima (They came before Columbus) and Marcus Garvey. Hopefully, many of you listening will become, or already are, strong, inspirational black leaders because that’s what we need. We need to disseminate information about our history which has been cut off, ripped away, burned, and destroyed. Our oral tradition was stopped by design. Africa is the motherland. Africa is our Homeland.

I am using reggae music to teach and as you listen to the songs in this mix and you know it’s a very spiritual thing. You know it’s very cultural. Much respect goes to all the singers and players of instruments for channeling the power in this wonderful music. Reggae is a language to communicate with all people around the world.

For more, please check out my website highlanda.net, and follow me @highlanda on Twitter. I’m on Facebook, SoundCloud, Mixcloud, iTunes, on TuneIn radio, and all your favorite podcast apps. Please follow the show on Instagram @reggaeloverpodcast and on Twitter @reggaeloverpod. Please continue to retweet and share. I love that! Unity is strength. Reggae music is here to stay and I’m going to continue to push the positivity and increase the levels of Consciousness.

I give thanks – real gratitude and appreciation – to anybody that’s checking this out right now. If you want to align your brand with what I’m doing on the reggae lover podcast and get your message to the demographic that we are reaching across the world, especially if you’re in markets like New York, Ontario, London, and Tokyo, Japan, please email reggaeloverpodcast@gmail.com. For any requests, or business inquiries you can also call 404-552-0492. Thank you for listening to reggae lover podcast episode 82.